January 04, 2011

Louisville, Kentucky (The Weekly Vice) - Alex Phelps, a 24-year-old Kentucky man was arraigned on animal abuse charges Friday after he allegedly tortured and brutally killed at least four cats.

According to police, an investigation was launched in December after two cats were found dead behind a Kroger store in Louisville. But it was the manner in which they died that peaked the interest of law enforcement.

Investigators say the cats' limbs were bound with zip ties before the animal was stabbed multiple times. The animals' abdomens were then sliced open, allowing it's intestines to spill out. The images were so graphic, they could not be shown on television.

Investigators then found the skeletal remains of two more dead cats in Phelps' back yard. Police are awaiting a medical examiner's report, but believe the two additional cats were mutilated in a similar way as the first two.

Police say Phelps obtained at least two of the cats after answering an ad on Craigslist that offered "free kittens to a good home." He has since been dubbed the Craigslist Cat Killer.

Phelps was arrested and questioned after investigators received an anonymous tip about his possible involvement. Phelps allegedly admitted to killing the cats, stating that he did so "for medical research" purposes.

Detectives say a search of Phelps' home and automobile netted additional evidence that links him to the crimes.

Phelps, who lives with his mommy and daddy, was booked into jail on four counts of torturing a cat. His bond has since been set at $50,000.

Danny ViceThe Weekly Vice

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